Dolphins And Cfl Team Making Pitches To Vick

May 15, 2006|By Alex Marvez Staff Writer

Former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick's performance at a recent Dolphins rookie minicamp was good enough to potentially land a roster spot.

A source said Sunday that the Dolphins were negotiating a free-agent contract with Vick's agent. Coach Nick Saban is "intrigued" by Vick after his tryout at the three-day minicamp earlier this month, the source said.

The Dolphins, though, have competition for Vick's services. Toronto owns Vick's Canadian Football League contractual rights and also has interest in signing him, the source said.

Vick's decision ultimately could come down to what position he wants to play. At six feet tall, Vick may be too small to become an effective NFL quarterback, which is one of the reasons the Dolphins had him take some snaps at wide receiver in their minicamp. Vick's height wouldn't be as much of a detriment playing quarterback for Toronto because the CFL features a more wide-open style of offense.

The brother of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, Marcus Vick wasn't selected in last month's NFL Draft after turning pro following his junior season at Virginia Tech. Vick was dismissed from the team in January for what the university described as "a cumulative effect of legal infractions and unsportsmanlike play." Vick had several arrests and on-field incidents that are believed to have greatly contributed to his not being drafted.

The Argonauts are still trying to receive permission from the Dolphins to sign suspended running back Ricky Williams. Although Toronto's training camp starts Sunday, the Argonauts are reportedly willing to wait longer if necessary for an answer from the Dolphins.

"Many players have come to camp late. It's no real rush to do it or not to do it," Argonauts co-owner David Cynamon told the Toronto Sun on Saturday. "We've got to be patient. I think it will just be a natural deadline at some point."